The true test of whether you are ready for the ring is your relationship with your dog when you are working. Granted the dog must be able to safely execute the equipment which will be tested, but the test is much more than that. Just because your dog can do a series of jumps doesn't mean your team is ready. Just because your dog is not afraid of a full-height dog walk doesn't mean your team is ready. Just because your dog nails every contact in practice doesn't mean your team is ready.
Here is a test to help you evaluate your team's readiness:
1. Does your dog come when called despite distractions?
2. Will your dog be reliable and safe around other dogs in a stressful environment?
3. Does your dog have fun when you go to practice?
4. Does your dog run stress-free at practice?
5. Do you run stress-free at practice?
6. Can you remember a 16-obstacle course after a five-minute walk-through?
7. Does your dog think running an agility course with you is the most fun you can possibly have together?
8. Is having fun with your dog more important to you than"looking good in front of all those people?"
9. Do you praise your dog every time she goes off course(because you know who sent her there)?
10. Are you ready, willing, and able to look like a happy idiot at the end of every run, regardless of whether you qualify?
If you answered yes to all 10 questions, and your dog is safe on all the equipment, then go trialling. If you honestly answered no to any of these, you aren't ready yet.